CVE-2012-3569 in OVF Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in VMware OVF Tool 2.1 on Windows, as used in VMware Workstation 8.x before 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x before 4.0.5, and other products, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OVF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3569 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the VMware OVF Tool version 2.1 running on Windows platforms. This flaw exists in multiple VMware products including VMware Workstation 8.x versions prior to 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x versions before 4.0.5, and other related components. The issue arises from improper input validation and handling of format specifiers within the OVF (Open Virtualization Format) file processing mechanism, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the OVF Tool's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing OVF files. When the tool encounters a crafted OVF file containing malicious format specifiers, it attempts to interpret these strings without adequate validation, leading to potential stack-based buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of improper input validation where the application directly uses user-controllable data in format string functions like printf or sprintf without appropriate security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a user-assisted remote code execution vector that can compromise entire virtualized environments. When a victim opens or processes a maliciously crafted OVF file, the vulnerability can be triggered without requiring any special privileges or complex exploitation techniques beyond social engineering to convince the user to interact with the malicious file. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly process compromised virtualization content, potentially leading to complete system compromise and lateral movement within network infrastructures. The attack can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, depending on the execution context and target system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official VMware patches and updates, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigation strategy includes updating all affected VMware products to their latest secure versions, implementing strict file validation policies for OVF content, and establishing network segmentation controls to limit potential lateral movement. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted virtualization content and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous behavior associated with format string exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in virtualization tools and highlights the critical need for security-conscious development practices in enterprise software distribution channels.